Long-term oral glucocorticoid use is associated with complications, healthcare resource utilization, and costs among patients with dermatomyositis or polymyositis.
Alarming findings on long-term glucocorticoid use in dermatomyositis and polymyositis patients - higher risks of complications, hospitalizations, and soaring healthcare costs. Urgent need for better treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes.
This real-world study examined the clinical and economic impact of long-term (LT) oral glucocorticoid (OGC) use in patients with dermatomyositis (DM) and polymyositis (PM). Compared to short-term (ST) users, LT OGC patients had significantly higher rates of complications like heart failure and osteoporosis, more inpatient admissions, and substantially higher annual all-cause and disease-related costs. These findings highlight the substantial burden associated with prolonged glucocorticoid therapy in DM/PM, underscoring the need for alternative treatment approaches to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare utilization.